President Jiang Zemin yesterday declared the issue of talent and human resources of vital importance, as it concerns the stability and long-term development of the country.

Jiang made the remarks at a meeting with some eminent social scientists and experts on national defence, science and technology at Beidaihe, a tourist resort in North China's Hebei Province.

He said intellectuals have contributed a great deal to the development of the Communist Party of China (CPC) in its past 80 years. With their number increasing to more than 30 million from less then 50,000 before the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949, intellectuals play a crucial part in the modernization and revitalization of China.

The contribution of experts on defence, science and technology has made it possible for China to establish a modern and efficient national defence system.

Scientists and research staff have striven hard to secure for the country some key achievements.

The president said that the government will improve the standard of living for scientists and give strong backing to their research.

Research into philosophy and the other fields of social sciences is equally important for the nation, Jiang noted, as "society needs new ideas and innovative theories."

The president urged institutes and companies to be broad-minded and offer a wide stage for talents of all kinds.

Premier Zhu Rongji, Vice-President Hu Jintao and Vice-Premier Li Lanqing were present at the meeting.

The experts and scientists are on vacation at Beidaihe at the invitation of the CPC Central Committee and the State Council.

(Xinhua News Agency 08/08/2001)